Status Updates From The Frost and the Flame

This book is as a major downer! The Russian history takes as back seat to a sweet convent girl getting raped by the bad guy. Even for a BR it's dark.

'Part of her wanted to rush to Katia & embrace her as a mother should. Another part longed only to hide. Katia would remind her of too many painful things. Loves & hates she had tried to forget for 20 years. She wanted no part of Katiana Danova; & yet she was her daughter, & she loved her.'

'She was like his mother. He could see it clearly now in the strangely shaped eyes, the high slanted cheekbones bespeaking Eastern blood in a distant generation. The likeness nauseated him, yet somehow enhanced Katia's appeal.' ....Lolz. This dude just never learns. 😂 Poor ped0bear, sadistic, psychotic Oleg.

'Though used & abused by Oleg & Leo, though treated like an object, a slave to their desires, Alexei's love now made her feel young again, new & virginal. Uncertainty & doubt were extinguished by an exhilarating rush of happiness.' ....The ultimate theme of true bodice rippers. All the pearl-clutching whiners & PC romance police can go pound sand.

'My soul will be damned, she thought as she moved her mouth & lips automatically. But, somehow, she could not believe in a god who expected her to endure degradation in endless silence. She would do what she must. She would even pretend passion if need be while she awaited the perfect moment. Murder. The word was ugly, but no more so than Oleg himself.' ...Planning Oleg's doom during a BJ. I like it. 😈

--"She had me caged for 13 years..."
--"There were reasons, Katia."
--"There can be no reasons good enough. She caged me & kept me innocent in a world that punishes innocence. Will she expect my gratitude for that? My love?"

"Surely you know by now, Katia, that your preferences mean nothing to me. You are an intelligent girl, & I thought you would understand that. It is so simple, dushenka. Only my wishes are of importance."

"I propose that there be a bargain between us. Bring me Alexei Romanov, & I will not speak of Katia or the others to anyone. You may keep your 'ward' until you tire of her. But see that Alexei is brought to me healthy, Oleg. Take care that no accident befalls him on the road, or you will find that I know a great deal about your private life." ....Lolz. Meet Elizabeth, aka Evul Oleg's horny bitch of a wife. 😂

'Gifts & admirers, gay conversation & passionate flirtations had been the stuff of her youth. She had no defenses now with which to protect herself from the dark visions that plagued her when she awakened alone & old in the middle of the night when the room was damp with river vapours & the breath of night brushed across her cheek.' ....I detect a bit o' Wormtongue in this description. :D

'"Why not let me stay, little convent girl?" he whispered. "Who would know, eh?" Suddenly his black-gloved hand grabbed at her bodice. He forced his fingers inside. The leather was cold, like something dead & bloated touching her.' ....Poor Katia. First pervy Prince Oleg, now his gross bodyguard Leo.

'The znakhara's eyes never left Katia's face. She was grinning now, her thin lips drawn tight across toothless gums. She seemed unaware of the danger she was in. "God gave you ears to listen, Convent Angel, so heed my prophecy." This time she pointed a boney finger at Katia. "Beware your brother. And brother, beware as well."' ....Old witch-woman says u gonna have some incest, bitches. :P

'The feminine society of St Petersburg he found less than satisfying to his tastes. Innocence did not flourish in so cosmopolitan a city. And innocence had always been his passion.' ....Introducing the villainous Prince Oleg, who might as well wear a tshirt that says I RAPE VIRGINS & KICK PUPPIES.

'She saw Madame Minin's headless body, lying in a pool of its own blood. Near it, gutted like an autumn swine, lay the heroic young driver, his whip broken in his hand. Katia gagged & turned away, covering her face. But something caught her eye, & she looked toward the forest. It was the wolves.' ....3 constants in Russian Rippers: snow, wolves, & angry peasants. :D

Blablabla

ugh Katia is an idiot and her lust for Alexei is baseless and unfortunately also unconvincing.

Parts 2/3 done.

Hmm...

No romance yet, but lots of gore, family secrets and a few attempted rapes. Also, the heroine has been drugged almost half the time (for her own good, of course.) /s
The Russian setting alone make this a great read.

No romance yet, but lots of gore, a few attempted rapes and family secrets. Also, the heroine has been drugged almost half the time (for her own good, of course.) /s The Russian historical, cultural and scenic elements alone make this a great read.

I needed a hardcore bodice ripper to make me feel like a happy reader! LOVE, the Russian setting, like the heroine so far, the hero is boring as shite, but the villain...charismatic, evil and blond!